Bafana brace changes Nwofor

He had a solitary cap at senior level to his name before August 14, 2013 but SC Heerenveen attacker, Uche Nwofor may soon be a name on the lips of Nigerians for a long time to come.

A rip-roaring display against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the Nelson Mandela Challenge at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban where he scored both goals in Nigeria’s 2-0 success having come on as a substitute at the break, earned him a call-up for Saturday’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Malawi.

Nwofor knows it is a huge opportunity to stamp his authority on the big stage and is looking to grab his chance on Saturday against the plucky Flames.

“Will I start the game on Saturday? Everything depends on the members of the backroom staff but I am ready to do my job when I am called upon. It doesn’t matter whether I start or I’m drafted in as a substitute, I just want to help my country win,” Nwofor exclusively told supersport.com.

Life changing experience

Nwofor’s well-taken brace against South Africa in the 49th and 68th minutes on August 12 in Durban remains evergreen in his memory and he took the time to discuss both goals with particular emphasis on his first, an outrageous back heel that left South Africa captain, Itumeleng Khune red-faced.

“When I found myself in space, I knew I had to do something special. I was almost losing my balance but I regained it at the right moment. I have actually scored goals like that for my club in training so I was not really surprised to see it go in.

“It was a special moment in my life and I really didn’t know how to celebrate it. The second goal too was special too but in the football world, you are as good as your last game. I cannot stop working hard,” he said.

Competition & attacking riches

Nwofor knows scoring twice against South Africa in a friendly international is no guarantee for a first-team slot in a side boasting of attacking riches like (2013 Africa Nation’s Cup top scorer) Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses, Brown Ideye and Ahmed Musa who has been in stunning form in the Russia Premier League.

The 21-year-old is willing to learn from his more accomplished compatriots but will lurk in the shadows waiting to pounce at the slightest opportunity.

“There are a lot of senior strikers here. I respect them and try to learn from them everyday in training sessions. When they advice me, I listen and thank them because that is one of the fastest way to learn and grow. I am ready to wait for my chance and if I get it, I will not let my country or fans down,” he said.

Nwofor’s international record stands at two games played, two goals scored. He will be looking to add to that tally on Saturday at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.